2023-04-28 12:55:17
It’s a post-season press conference, one of those during which we take stock by projecting ourselves on the future. Not always much comes of it. In Minneapolis on April 27, Minnesota Timberwolves pivot Rudy Gobert passed there a few hours after Wolves were eliminated in the first round of the playoffs against the Denver Nuggets (4-1). To the question of an American colleague: “what are your plans for this summer and will you play for the France team?” “, the Olympic vice-champion answers:” I am not sure yet. I’m going to take two days to reflect, to clarify my ideas in order to properly establish my plan for this summer. »
In other words, Rudy Gobert is not yet certain, at this time, of playing the next World Cup which will take place from August 25 to September 10. This exotic World Cup will take place in three countries: Indonesia, Japan and the Philippines for the final phase. The Blues will know their opponents after the draw which takes place in Manila this Saturday. Vincent Collet, the coach of the Blues, will then react to the announcement of his pivot. He will announce a first preselection at the end of June, beginning of July.
In the entourage of the player, it is specified that his decision is obviously not final and that one should not overinterpret his words in the immediate future. He has time to say “yes” to the Blues, once the emotions of the NBA season have faded. The interior with 87 selections is deeply attached to the tricolor jersey with which he won an Olympic silver medal (2021), a silver at the Euro (2022), and two world bronzes (2014, 2019) since his debut in 2014. He only missed one summer campaign, the Euro in 2017. Above all, he lacks the gold he will seek one day or another. He promised it.
Why, however, does Rudy Gobert hesitate? He is coming off a frustrating first season with Minnesota. Not selected for the All Star Game, not elected as usual in the best defensive team of the season, he finished it with stats (13.4 points, 11.6 rebounds and 1.4 against) average at its scale. The exit from the road in the first round of the Timberwolves playoffs also sounds like a failure there. Rudy Gobert wants to do better and promises: “I really want to have the best summer of my life. Because I want to come back and have the best year of my career next season. This summer, I will put myself in a position in which I have never been.
He wants to work to come back stronger and win for Wolves. Is this compatible with a summer in the France team? This is his reflection: the Blues will be reunited from July 28 in Pau then will follow a preparation which will lead them to Lithuania, Japan and a tournament in the Philippines. After hours on the plane, they will not be released until mid-September, just before returning to the NBA. Exhausting, of course.
If he gives up, and it’s far from certain, Rudy Gobert will not be the first NBA star to skip a blue summer. Nicolas Batum, for example, had given up the Euro last year to recharge his batteries. There is nothing scandalous: NBA players play at least 82 games in their season and give up on their summer rest for the France team.
The argument which also makes the giant of the Blues hesitate is in the other direction: the French team which is announced and the deadlines which follow. In Southeast Asia if all the planets align, the Blues of basketball could present the best team of France of all time. Judge for yourself: Victor Wembanyama, the number 1 choice of the draft who wants to play this World Cup, Joel Embiid the possible MVP of the season, naturalized French who also hesitates and will say yes or no at the end of June.
Gobert-Wemby-Embiid with the experience of Nicolas Batum and Nando de Colo the best scorer in the history of European cups in the 5 Major: the dream. In front of an American team which could land without a major star since “Basket USA” no longer obliges them, France will appear with all these players, among the favorites. For a Rudy Gobert who dreams of a gold medal, it makes you think. Especially 10 months before Paris 2024.
#Basketball #sure.. #Rudy #Gobert #play #World #Cup #Blues